No place for political violence in Rwanda -USA says

President Joe Biden of the USA on March 24 welcomed the release of terror convict Paul Rusesabagina by the Government of Rwanda.

In a statement released by the White House, Biden said that “Paul’s family is eager to welcome him back to the United States, and I share their joy at today’s good news.”

“I thank the Rwandan Government for making this reunion possible, and I also thank the Government of Qatar for facilitating Paul’s release and return to the United States. I add my gratitude to those across the U.S. Government who have worked with the Government of Rwanda to achieve today’s happy outcome.”

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also welcomed the release of Rusesabagina.

In a statement, Blinken noted that it is a relief to know that Rusesabagina is rejoining his family, and the U.S. Government is grateful to the Rwandan Government for making this reunion possible.

Blinken added: “We also thank the Government of Qatar for their valuable assistance that will enable Paul’s return to the United States. The United States believes in a Rwanda that is peaceful and prosperous. We reaffirm the principle of seeking political change in Rwanda and globally through peaceful means.”

“There is simply no place for political violence. I thank those across the U.S. Government who have worked with the Rwandan Government to enable this outcome.”

President Kagame exercised his prerogative of mercy to commute the sentence of jailed terror convict Rusesabagina, after the latter wrote seeking a presidential pardon.

The development followed back-to-back negotiations that are believed to have involved at least three countries, Rwanda, Qatar and the USA.

Rusesabagina engineered the establishment of an outfit called MRCD, which has political oversight of the FLN terror group that operates in the east of DR Congo, and is responsible for a series of terror attacks on Rwandan territory.

The attacks took place in south-western Rwanda, within and around Nyungwe forest. At least nine people were killed, while others were left injured and property looted or destroyed.

Rusesabagina, who was arrested in August 2020, was sentenced to 25 years by the High Court’s Chamber for International and Cross Border Crimes, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Qatar is expected to take care of the logistical requirements that will eventually see Rusesabagina eventually rejoin his family in the U.S.